Acting Senior Sergeant Brad Bennett and Senior Sergeant Warren Groves of Stawell Police, warn motorists and pedestrians of dangers that exist in car parks. Picture: KERRI KINGSTON
STAWELL - Police and Northern Grampians Shire Council are reminding residents to be more aware of their surroundings when driving cars or riding scooters in built up areas.
Acting Senior Sergeant Brad Bennett of Stawell Police said a number of incidents had led to the warning from police.
"There have been a few incidents recently where pedestrians have been knocked over by cars, particularly in crowded car parks," he said.
"There seems to be a real issue in the central business district and supermarket car parks.
"Both parties are using shared roadways and through areas of parked cars, it becomes harder to see each other."
He said it is primarily elderly people using scooters and regardless of speed, people need to take extra care.
"We have increased traffic flow in the centre of town and people need to be more aware of their surroundings before getting into the car or onto a scooter.
"People need to have in the back of their mind they are not the only person on the road.
"All people need to use is a bit of common sense and courtesy."
He said distractions are also a factor in people making errors behind the wheel of a car.
"The other day I saw someone reversing from a car park with one hand on the wheel, the other was being used to make sure the person didn't spill their coffee.
"This type of behaviour isn't safe, people should be paying full attention to the road and other road users around them."
Team Leader of Aged and Disability Services with Northern Grampians Shire Council, Melissa Mair said there are a number of ways to ensure the safety of scooter users, particularly the elderly.
"We have a community access advisory group that holds annual education sessions aimed at looking at people's mobility and discussing the safest route for people to take from one location to another," she said.
Ms Mair said Eventide Homes recently conducted a test to see where improvements can be made along the Patrick street route from the facility to the Main Street.
"A lot of the elderly are cautious of riding up and down the gutters so they just ride on the road, this isn't safe," she said.
Ms Mair said there are a few ways scooter users can ensure the safety of themselves and those around them.
"Anyone who is thinking of buying a scooter should see an occupational therapist first," she said.
"Occupational therapists can assist people by recommending the appropriate mobility device for each individual, according to their physical needs and capacity.
"Riders should keep to the left of the footpath, unless overtaking a pedestrian. The footpath is the safest place to be, roads and bike paths should be avoided."
Ms Mair said users should wear bright coloured clothes during the day and something reflective at night.
